Science

What Will I Learn?
The Science department aims to make Science interesting, relevant and the basis for understanding the world in which we live. This is achieved by making the lessons enjoyable with a good variety of tasks including practical experimentation.
KS3:
The study of science fires pupils’ curiosity about phenomena in the world around them and offers opportunities to find explanations. It engages learners at many levels, linking direct practical experience with scientific ideas. Experimentation and modelling are used to develop and evaluate explanations, encouraging critical and creative thought. Pupils learn how knowledge and understanding in science are rooted in evidence. They discover how scientific ideas contribute to technological change – affecting industry, business and medicine and improving quality of life. They trace the development of science worldwide and recognise its cultural significance. They learn to question and discuss issues that may affect their own lives, the directions of societies and the future of the world.
KS4:
BTEC First Certificate (year 10 & 11) The BTEC First Certificate in Applied Science is equivalent to two GCSEs. The qualification offers an approach based on the learner taking on the role of being employed within the science industry. Teaching strategies reflect the nature of the work within science–based industries, using a series of assignments and activities encouraging learners to take responsibility and ownership for their learning. The qualification is 100 per cent internally assessed.
Learners can progress to the BTEC Nationals in Applied Science (Industrial and Laboratory Science), Applied Science (Forensic Science), or Applied Science (Medical Science). Learners can also progress to GCE in Applied Science and to a range of BTEC Nationals in applied sciences such as Food Science, Beauty Therapy Sciences, Sport and Exercise Sciences, Pharmacy Services, Polymer Technology or Dental Technology. Alternatively they can progress to NVQs such as Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities or Clinical Laboratory Support. The underpinning knowledge, practical and vocational scientific skills learnt on the BTEC course will enhance and support the progression to a competency-based course.
GCSE AQA Core Science (year 10= 1 GCSE)
The course aims to develop scientific literacy. There are two main strands:

• key science explanations which help us to make sense of our lives
• ideas about science which show how science works. This course views science from the perspective of a member of the public and is taught in the context of topics of current and cultural interest. Future scientists will also benefit from learning about how science works, which means not just learning theory but understanding the practical side of Science and its relation to the world in which we live. At the end of year 10, pupils will either progress onto studying the Additional Science course or the BTEC First Certificate in Applied Science.

AQA Additional Science (year 11= 1 GCSE)
Additional Science features science for scientists. It prepares students for progression to study AS and A-levels in the sciences. By giving more emphasis and space to more fundamental ideas in the sciences, it provides a stimulating, preparation for more advanced study.
How Will I Be Assessed?
KS3: Assessing pupils’ progress (APP) is a national approach to assessment that will be used to make judgements on pupils’ progress. There will be some day-to-day assessment which will allow pupils to know how they can improve their work so that they can move towards their curricular targets. Finally there is a transitional assessment which will be in the form of tests, providing a formal recognition of pupils’ achievement.
KS4:
In year 10; Core Science AQA - there are 6 modular examinations and an internal
assessment of practical and investigative skills. In year 11; Assessment for the Additional Science course consists of 3 examinations and an internal assessment of practical and investigative skills. In year 10 and 11; BTEC qualifications are delivered and assessed by our Science teachers, who create a programme of study to reflect local requirements and facilities, and who use a variety of assessment instruments appropriate to the outcomes being assessed. These may include, for example, projects, presentations and case studieswhere a total of 18 assessments are needed to fulfil the course requirements. Outcomes are measured using grading criteria, or Pass, Merit or Distinction. All assessment is quality assured through internal verification and sampled through a range of external verification activities orchestrated by Edexcel. At the end of year 11, all students can achieve 2 GCSEs in Science.
Do I Need Any Special Equipment To Study This Subject?
The usual equipment is required – pen, pencil, ruler, rubber and calculator.